Ann Widdecombe murder suspect charged with terror plot targeting Nigel Farage

Birmingham, UK ??? 4 September 2026: Nigel Farage pays tribute to Ann Widdecombe on the main stage at the NEC Birmingham, opening Reform UK???s 2026 National Conference with reflections on the former MP and minister???s political career and public life., Credit:Abdullah Bailey / Anthony Bailey - B2421 / Avalon

The suspect in the murder of MP Ann Widdecombe has been charged with planning terrorist acts targeting Nigel Farage.

Kerry, 28, was charged today after ‘a hugely intensive and complicated investigation’ by Counter Terrorism Policing.

The offence of engaging in conduct in preparation of acts of terrorism is alleged to have taken place between May 31, 2024, and July 8 this year.

Mr Farage revealed earlier this year that a ‘lit incendiary device’ had been posted through his letterbox in April 2025.

The Metropolitan Police and Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London said they investigated an ‘attempted burglary’, but no arrests were made and the case was closed pending any new lines of inquiry.

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Senior National Coordinator for CTP Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said: ‘We have been running a hugely intensive and complex investigation for some time.

JOSHUA KERRY Ann Widdecombe suspect
Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Joshua Kerry, 28, appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London charged with the murder of MP Ann Widdecombe. The former Tory minister and Reform UK spokeswoman was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor after sustaining serious injuries. Picture date: Tuesday July 21, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Elizabeth Cook/PA Wire

‘The charge announced today is a result of the tireless  of investigators across the Counter Terrorism Policing network.

‘This investigation has been led by a dedicated team of detectives, analysts, and forensic experts, working on multiple lines of enquiry, which has resulted in this very serious charge.’

Kerry is due to appear at  Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.

He has already appeared at the Old Bailey charged with Ms Widdecombe’s murder.

The 78-year-old was hit 21 times over the head with a hammer in a ‘planned and targeted’ attack carried out with a ‘ferocity of violence’ in her kitchen, the hearing was told.

File photo dated 23/05/24 of Ann Widdecombe speaking during a Reform UK General Election campaign launch in Westminster, London. Ann Widdecombe, the former MP and MEP who also featured on Strictly Come Dancing, has died aged 78, her representative has said. Issue date: Friday July 10, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read:

Kerry was arrested on suspicion of murder on July 11, two days after Ms Widdecombe was found dead at her property in Haytor on Dartmoor, .

A provisional trial date was set for June 8, 2027.

After the latest charge was announced, chief crown prosecutor Frank Ferguson, of the ’s Special  and Counter Terrorism Division, said: ‘Having carefully reviewed the evidence, we have made the decision to prosecute Joshua Kerry for engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts.

‘Our prosecutors have worked closely with police to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court, and we will continue working with them as their investigation progresses.’

Home Secretary  said: ‘I know the new charges made today will be extremely concerning.

‘My profound sympathies are with Nigel Farage and his family.

‘Let no one make any mistake: an attack on anyone in politics is an attack on us all.

‘This case raises serious questions about the security of those in public life. We must use this as an opportunity to reset.

‘Once  returns, I will update on our work to strengthen protections for those who choose to serve.’

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